What Are Foods That Cause Weight Gain After Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery helps morbidly obese individuals lose weight, but it does not cure obesity. About 80 percent of bariatric patients achieve success by making long-term changes to their diet and exercise habits, according to the Highland Hospital. Failing to follow diet instructions, the primary reason for weight regain in the remaining 20 percent of patients, may involve eating high calorie foods, binge eating, grazing or not exercising portion control.

Bariatric Surgery

Morbidly obese individuals -- those weighing at least 100 pounds more than is optimal for their height -- can benefit from surgical procedures that help them feel full after eating smaller amounts of food than usual. Some bariatric procedures, including the adjustable gastric band and the sleeve gastrectomy, reduce the size of the stomach. Primarily malabsorptive procedures, including the DS/BPD -- duodenal switch/bilopancreatic diversion -- block some calorie absorption. The gastric bypass reduces the stomach to a tiny pouch and also causes malabsorption by rerouting the digestive system. Although the surgery helps patients to reach their goals, patients must exercise and make wise food choices to achieve and maintain weight loss. Some surgeons limit daily calorie intake to 1,200 to 1,400 calories for females and 1,300 to 1,500 for males, according to Karen Meyers, R.D., co-author of the 2010 book, "Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook for Dummies."

Protein Sources

Bariatric surgery patients need more protein -- at least 60 g to 80 g per day -- than normal healthy adults, so postoperative diets emphasize lean sources of protein, according to a report published in the September 2008 issue of "Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases." Highland Hospital recommends avoiding protein sources high in fat and calories, including poultry dark meat or skin; fried or battered meats and fish; well-marbled beef; sausage; bacon; spareribs; and hot dogs. Patients should also limit or omit full-fat and 2 percent milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products.

Starches

Some bariatric surgeons allow patients to consume four to six servings a day of whole grains and starchy vegetables, while others require patients to omit these foods altogether. Because the egg-sized stomach pouch permits only small amounts of food intake at each sitting, meal-planning should focus on protein and other nutrient-dense foods. Starchy and sugary foods, on the other hand, provide only empty calories, so bariatric patients should avoid pies, cakes, cookies, chips, french fries, pastries, waffles, pancakes, doughnuts, syrup, jam, jelly, and candy.

Fats

Bariatric patients may eat four to six servings of fat per day, but should choose monosaturated fats rather than saturated fats and trans fatty acids, according to the Highland Hospital. Patients should avoid or omit butter, lard, coconut oil, palm oil, fat back, salt pork, stick margarine, cream, half-and-half, and full-fat versions of sour cream, cream cheese, and whipped topping.

Fruits and Vegetables

Surgeons' guidelines vary, but generally, bariatric patients may eat 1 c to 2 c. of fruit per day, but should avoid coconut, fruit juice, and fruits with added sugar. They may eat 1.5 to 2.5 c. of non-starchy vegetables daily, except those prepared in fat. Examples of vegetables to avoid include those prepared by cooking with fatty meats, frying or adding a cream or cheese sauce.